OVERTIME
2:05: Hughes squeaks a wrister through Smith in overtime as the Devils defeat the Oilers 6-5 in the extra session. Yamamoto picks up two goals and an assist, McDavid nets a pair, McLeod has his first multi-point game and Smith stops 35 pucks. Edmonton gets a single point and will be back in action less than 24 hours from now on New Year’s Day against the Islanders.
5:00: Overtime will begin soon. McDavid-Draisaitl-Nurse starts for Edmonton while the Devils go with Hischier-Zacha-Severson.
THIRD PERIOD
0.0: We’re heading to overtime after what has been a roller-coaster ride of a game at Prudential Center.
31.5: Dougie Hamilton flicks one on from the point and it changes direction before passing the goal-line. Sharangovich is awarded the tally. | EDM 5, NJ 5
37.2: The Oilers ice the puck with the Devils pushing for the tying marker. Nugent-Hopkins is not on the bench for EDM.
4:47: Sharangovich heads to the penalty box for a faceoff violation. Edmonton gets a chance to add insurance on the man advantage.
4:50: SCHMIDDY! The Oilers net-protector stops the first shot then extends his right leg to hold the goal-line despite several Devils skaters jamming away at it.
6:46: Smith plunges across to deny Yegor Sharangovich from the side of the cage. Edmonton looks to hold the lead with just under seven to play.
11:42: Kailer Instinct! Yamamoto is brought down but pops back up just in time to deposit a back door pass from Draisaitl. The Oilers overcome much adversity to take the lead. The Devils challenge the goal as they believe they had possession on a delayed penalty that wasn’t whistled but the referees deem it good. | EDM 5, NJ 4
12:54: Jersey Shore! McLeod dumps the puck in, chases it down then feeds Devin Shore in front as the Oilers capture the equalizer once again! Shore has his second of the year and McLeod records his first career multi-point night in the NHL with his parents in attendance, no less! | EDM 4, NJ 4
14:46: Janne Kuokkannen hammers a slapper top shelf from the top of the left circle and the Devils get back in front for the fourth time today. | NJ 4, EDM 3
17:41: Tyson Barrie finds McLeod with a shot-pass that gets redirected on goal but Blackwood slides across to stymie the chance.
20:00: The third period is under way.
All threes after 40. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/CgANmbgRYC
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 31, 2021
SECOND PERIOD
0.0: After a five-goal first period, McDavid is the lone goal scorer in the second with his 19th of the year. Edmonton and Jersey enter the third squared up.
5:19: The Oilers neutralize Nurse’s minor, thanks in large part to Smith, who robbed Hischier point-blank from the slot with his glove.
7:49: Smith stones Hughes’ wrist shot off the rush while Nurse sends Damon Severson over the boards after the Devils Dman hit Hyman from a blind spot. Nurse is called for roughing and the Oilers go to the penalty kill.
8:50: Leon Draisaitl has a wide-open net off a rebound but is handcuffed by a Devils defender. The Oilers are taking charge in the second period, out-shooting Jersey 7-4 in the frame.
Connor McDavid records his 34th career multi-goal game.
Oilers are 31-1-1 in the previous 33 contests
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) December 31, 2021
12:03: Double Davo! McDavid busts in all alone and makes no mistake, going backhand-forehand and flipping a shot over Blackwood’s right pad. Keith threaded the needle with a perfect outlet pass to prompt the breakaway. | EDM 3, NJ 3
15:23: The Oilers second line of RNH-Draiaitl-Yamamoto puts together a strong shift with the help of Duncan Keith and Cody Ceci as they activate from the blueline.
20:00: The second period has begun!
High-scoring first in Newark. #LetsGoOilers pic.twitter.com/5kennZwp6v
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) December 31, 2021
FIRST PERIOD
0.0: The Oilers and Devils score five goals between 26 shots on goal but it’s New Jersey who comes out ahead after 20.
37.7: McDavid pickpockets the puck in the slot to create a chance out of nothing but Blackwood follows the play for the save.
5:48: Zach Hyman throws the puck on net then crashes the cage, hoping to pick up the garbage but Blackwood keeps his paddle down and eventually gets the whistle.
8:50: Dawson Mercer chips a bouncing puck under Smith’s arm to give the Devils their third lead of the game. | NJ 3, EDM 2
14:00: You Rip It, Yamo Will Tip It! Kailer Yamamoto tips Slater Koekkoek’s point shot and it leaks through Blackwood for his sixth goal of the year! Koekkoek nets the primary assist and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins gets the secondary helper. | EDM 2, NJ 2
16:53: Nico Hischier banks in a rebound off of Smith to resupply the Devils with the lead. | NJ 2, EDM 1
17:12: Davo! Connor McDavid deposits the puck from the bottom left circle after receiving a great heads-up pass from McLeod. McLeod nets his first assist of the season while the captain gets his 18th goal and 51st point. | EDM 1, NJ 1
18:22: Jack Hughes rips a one-timer past Smith on the power play as the Devils strike first blood. | NJ 1, EDM 0
18:33: Jesse Pujujarvi gets two good looks from within the home plate but Mackenzie Blackwood is there for both stops. The Finn is later called for holding.
20:00: Game on! The Oilers close 2021 with a date against the New Jersey Devils. Darnell Nurse and Jesse Puljujarvi jump back into the lineup, Mike Smith gets the ball in net and Ryan McLeod gets set to face his older brother Michael!
TONIGHT’S LINEUP
Hyman – McDavid – Puljujarvi
RNH – Draisaitl – Yamamoto
Foegele – Ryan – Sceviour
Shore – McLeod
Nurse – Bouchard
Keith – Ceci
Koekkoek – Barrie
Lagesson
Smith
Koskinen
OUT: Zack Kassian, Kyle Turris, Tyler Benson, Brendan Perlini
OILERS TODAY | Pre-Game at NJD